Leaf rake

ABSTRACT

A head assembly for a rake is provided. The head assembly includes a base portion, a handle coupling, and a number of tines. Each tine includes an elongated body. Each tine body includes a first end, a flexure portion, an offset portion, and a distal second end. The tines includes a first set of tines and a second set of tines. A number of tine bodies in the first set of tines have an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is greater than 1.0. A number of tine bodies in the second set of tines have an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is less than 1.0.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/856,871, filed Jul. 22, 2013 entitled LEAF RAKE.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to a leaf rake and, morespecifically, to a leaf rake having two sets of tines with differentcontours.

Background Information

Leaf rakes are well known in the art. Leaf rakes include a handle and ahead assembly. The head assembly includes a handle coupling, a baseportion, and a number of tines. The base portion often has a planartriangular shape with the handle coupling disposed at the apex and anumber of elongated tines extending from the base. The tines arestructured to be flexible. That is, as used herein, a “tine” has anelongated body with a first end, a medial portion, and a second end. Asused herein, a tine “medial portion” includes a flexure portion and anoffset portion. A tine first end is coupled to, or unitary with, thebase portion. A tine body “flexure portion” is structured to allow, andallows, the tine body to flex in, at least, a direction generally normalto the surface being raked. A tine body “offset portion” positions thedistal second end out of the plane of the base portion. A tine secondend is structured to engage the ground and to drag leaves and otherdebris.

Accordingly, as used herein, a tine “flexure portion” is that portion ofa tine that has a longitudinal axis that is generally in, or generallyparallel to, the plane of the base portion. As used herein, a tine“offset portion” is that portion of a tine that has a longitudinal axisthat is not in, or generally parallel to, the plane of the base portion.As is known, a tine body may be generally curvilinear or may include adistinct bend. As used herein, and in a tine body that is generallycurvilinear, the portion having a longitudinal axis that is within about45 degrees of the plane of the base portion is the “flexure portion.”Conversely, in a tine body that is generally curvilinear the portionhaving a longitudinal axis that is more than about 45 degrees out of theplane of the base portion is the “offset portion.” As used herein, andin a tine body having a sharp bend, or “elbow,” the portion between thetine body first end and the bend is the “flexure portion.” Conversely,in a tine body having a sharp bend, the portion between the bend and thetine body second end is the “offset portion.” Further, as used herein, atine body “second end” has a length of at least one-half inch. As tinesare, generally, thinner than one-half inch, a tine second end has alongitudinal axis that is not generally in, or generally parallel to,the plane of the base portion.

Further, each tine body has a lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio. Thelateral cross-sectional aspect ratio is determined relative to theminimal cross-sectional area at any location along the tine. Generally,the minimal cross-sectional area is determined by a plane that passesgenerally perpendicularly to the local longitudinal axis of the tine;that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tine taken at aspecific location. Generally, the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratiois determined by comparing a “width” to a perpendicular dimension. Asused herein, the perpendicular dimension is identified as “length,” but,as detailed below this dimension is not always the dimension parallel tothe handle longitudinal axis.

By way of example, a garden rake typically has a number of generallystraight tines that extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the handle. In this simple configuration, the “width” of a tineis measured in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the handle and in a plane generally parallel to the plane of thebase assembly. Conversely, the “length” of such a straight tine ismeasured in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe handle and in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the baseassembly.

The tines on a leaf rake, however, typically have a more complex shapeand/or do not extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular toor parallel to the handle longitudinal axis. For example, a typical leafrake has tines that extend in a generally radial pattern. That is, theouter tines are at a greater angle relative to the handle longitudinalaxis than the center tines. Thus, if the tines have an identicalcross-section, a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe handle passed through an outer tine would have a greater width thanthe same plane passed through a center tine. That is, the angle of theouter tine causes the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis to present a greater “width.”

Accordingly, it is understood that, as used herein for the purpose ofdetermining a tine's “lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio,” the terms“width” and “length” are measured locally and generally correspond to alateral “width” and “length” (which as noted above is the directionperpendicular to the width). Thus, to determine the “length” and “width”of a tine for the purpose of measuring an aspect ratio, the “length” and“width” are determined at a specific location along the tine by passinga plane through the tine so as to have a minimal cross-sectional area.The “width” is measured in the direction generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the handle and in a plane generally parallel to theplane of the base assembly. By way of example, in a leaf rake with tinesthat extend in a generally radial pattern, the “width” of a center tinethat is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle is thedimension measured in the direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the handle and in a plane generally parallel to theplane of the base assembly. Conversely, the “width” of an outermost tinethat is offset from the handle longitudinal axis by about 20 degrees, isthe dimension measured in the direction about 20 degrees to thelongitudinal axis of the handle and in a plane generally parallel to theplane of the base assembly. It is understood that if the tines have asimilar shape and contour, the aspect ratio for the tines is similar andcan be easily determined at the centermost tine.

It is noted that the aspect ratio relevant to the disclosed and claimedconcept is the aspect ratio of the portion of the tines close to thetips and, as such, the “length,” as used herein, is generally parallelto the longitudinal axis of the handle when measured at the tine tips.It is noted that the dimension of a tine perpendicular to the “width”when measured adjacent to the head assembly base portion would moretypically be described as a “height” using the convention of length,width and height. But, as noted above, when determining a tine lateralcross-sectional aspect ratio, the dimension perpendicular to the “width”is identified herein as a “length.”

Thus, a tine's lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio is the “width”divided by the “length.” In a leaf rake, the lateral cross-sectionalaspect ratio for the tines is greater than 1.0. Thus, at the distal tipsof the tines, the tines are wider in the lateral direction than in thedirection generally parallel to the handle longitudinal axis. As anotherexample, a generally circular wire tine has a lateral cross-sectionalaspect ratio of about 1.0. That is, a body with a generally circularcross-section is about as wide as it is long. It is noted that sometines (or thatching rake blades, discussed below) may include sharpenedpoints; as used herein, the “lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio” isbased on the entire tine, the entire blade or for an identified portionthereof. For example, the “offset portion” lateral cross-sectionalaspect ratio is based on the cross-sectional aspect ratio of the entire“offset portion” of a tine and not the aspect ratio at a specificelevation on the offset portion and particularly not at the distal tip.

A leaf rake is structured to remove leaves and debris from the surfaceof the ground. The ground may include a layer of thatch; a leaf rake isnot structured to lift thatch. A leaf rake generally has tines with alateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is greater than 1.0. In thisconfiguration, the wide tines are structured to present a wide face tothe leaves and debris that are being dragged. That is, tines with alateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is greater than 1.0 are wideand therefore have a greater surface area perpendicular to the directionthat the tines are moved. Further, the purpose of the leaf rake is tomove over the surface being raked. The flexible tines allow this purposeto be accomplished. It is noted that if the tines of a leaf rake weretoo rigid, then the leaf rake tines would be unsatisfactory for theirintended purpose; that is, the tines would bite into the ground.

A garden rake is structured to loosen soil, perform light weeding and tolevel loose soil. A garden rake may be used to remove thatch as well.The tines of a garden rake are generally shorter than on a leaf rake andtypically include only an offset portion extending from a transversesupport bar. Further, a garden rake tine has a lateral cross-sectionalaspect ratio of about 1.0. That is, a garden rake tine typically has agenerally circular or generally square cross-sectional shape. A gardenrake tine generally has a cross-sectional area that is larger than aleaf rake. Thus, garden rake tines are short and thick and thereforerigid. Such rigid tines allow the garden rake to bite into the ground orinto thatch. It is noted that if a garden rake tine was flexible, orflexibly coupled to the handle, then the tine would be unsatisfactoryfor its intended purpose; it would not bite into the ground.

A thatching rake is structured to remove thatch. That is, a thatchingrake is structured to bite, or dig slightly, into the ground or at leastinto the layer of thatch that is over the dirt. A thatching rake doesnot have “tines” as defined herein; rather, a thatching rake includes anumber of “blades.” As used herein, the “blades” of a thatching rake areplanar members disposed in a parallel configuration and have a lateralcross-sectional longitudinal aspect ratio that is generally, orsubstantially, less than 1.0.

In this configuration, i.e. when the blade's lateral cross-sectionalaspect ratio that is generally less than 1.0, the thatching rake bladeis substantially rigid. This rigidity is required for the thatching rakeblades to bite into and lift the thatch. It is noted that if a thatchingrake blade was flexible, or flexibly coupled to the handle, then theblade would be unsatisfactory for its intended purpose; it would notbite into and lift the thatch.

A disadvantage of leaf rakes is that the flexible tines allow heavydebris, such as but not limited to wet leaves, to pass under the tines.There is, therefore, a need for a leaf rake that is able to move heavyleaves and debris over the surface of the ground.

Further, leaf rakes are wide, typically over 18 inches at the widestpoint. Leaf rakes with such a width are difficult to use in locationswhere trees and shrubs are clustered. To reach such areas, leaf rakesare constructed with a smaller width. The disadvantage to this is that auser must carry two leaf rakes; one for use in open spaces and one oruse between shrubs. there is, therefore a need for a rake assembly thatis structured to operate on both open and narrow areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of thisinvention which provides for a rake including a first set of tines and asecond set of tines. The first set of tines includes a number of tineswith an offset portion with a lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio thatis greater than 1.0. Tines in the first set of tines, i.e. the widetines, are structured to engage and move leaves and debris in atraditional manner. The second set of tines includes a number of tineswith an offset portion with a lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio thatis less than 1.0. Tines in the second set of tines, i.e. the narrowtines, are more rigid and are structured to engage and move heavy leavesand debris.

Accordingly, the disclosed and claimed concept provides for a headassembly for a rake, the head assembly including a base portion, ahandle coupling, and a number of tines. Each tine includes an elongatedbody. Each tine body includes a first end, a flexure portion, an offsetportion, and a distal second end. The tines include a first set of tinesand a second set of tines. A number of tine bodies in the first set oftines have an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio thatis greater than 1.0. A number of tine bodies in the second set of tineshave an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is lessthan 1.0.

Further, the disclosed and claimed concept provides for a leaf rake thatincludes a selectively coupled shrub rake. That is, the shrub rake isstructured to be temporarily coupled to the leaf rake.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a rake.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a rake.

FIG. 3 is a back view of a rake.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of a rake.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of a rake.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a rake.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a rake.

FIG. 8 is a detailed isometric view of a rake.

FIG. 9 is a detailed front view of a rake.

FIG. 10 is a detailed back view of a rake.

FIG. 11 is a detailed left side view of a rake.

FIG. 12 is a first isometric view of a shrub rake.

FIG. 13 is a second isometric view of a shrub rake.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a shrub rake coupled to a rake.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise,counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein. Generally, a rake base assembly has a front side, whichis a broad side that generally faces the sky when in use, a back side,which is a broad side that generally faces the ground when in use, a topside, from which a handle extends, a bottom side opposite the top side,as well as right and left lateral sides.

As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are“coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate togethereither directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediateparts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directlycoupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with eachother. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that twocomponents are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constantorientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements arecoupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description,however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to asecond element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel,means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closerto the second element than the other portions thereof.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components“engage” one another shall mean that the elements exert a force or biasagainst one another either directly or through one or more intermediateelements or components.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as asingle piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that arecreated separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greaterthan one (i.e., a plurality).

As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings orcoupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assemblyare generally not part of the same element or other component. As such,the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the sametime in the following description.

As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or morecomponent(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assemblyincludes at least two components that are structured to be coupledtogether. It is understood that the components of a coupling assemblyare compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, ifone coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component isa snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the othercoupling component is a nut.

As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of thesame assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other insome manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, itis understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, “correspond,” when used in conjunction with adescription of an element's shape or size, indicates that two structuralcomponents are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may becoupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which“corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member sothat the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount offriction. This definition is modified if the two components are said tofit “snugly” together or “snuggly correspond.” In that situation, thedifference between the size of the components is even smaller wherebythe amount of friction increases. If the element defining the openingand/or the component inserted into the opening are made from adeformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightlysmaller than the component being inserted into the opening. Thisdefinition is further modified if the two components are said to“substantially correspond.” “Substantially correspond” means that thesize of the opening is very close to the size of the element insertedtherein; that is, not so close as to cause substantial friction, as witha snug fit, but with more contact and friction than a “correspondingfit,” i.e., a “slightly larger” fit. In reference to contours,perimeters and similar constructs, “correspond” means the constructshave similar contours, perimeters, shapes, and/or characteristics.

As used herein, a “planar body” or “planar member” is a generally thinelement including opposed, wide, generally flat surfaces as well as athinner edge surface extending between the wide flat surfaces. The edgesurface may include generally flat portions, e.g. as on a rectangularplanar member, or be curved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.

As used herein, a “U-shaped” element, or an element with a “U-shapedcross-section,” includes a cross-sectional shape with two tines, whichcorrespond to the vertical elements of the “U” and a “bight” whichcorresponds to the generally horizontal element of the “U.” That is, asused herein, it is inherent that a “U-shaped” element includes a bightand two tines.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified elementor assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupledand/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a memberthat is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element andincludes elements that cause the member to move or the member isotherwise configured to move in response to other elements orassemblies.

Unless noted otherwise, as used herein, the “longitudinal axis” meansthe longitudinal axis of the handle. It is understood that, in use, arake is pulled generally along a path aligned, or parallel to, thelongitudinal axis.

As used herein, “lateral” means generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis and generally in the plane of the head assembly.

As used herein, a “handle” is an element that is structured to begrasped by a human hand. Thus, a “handle” is sized, shaped, andpositioned, to be grasped by a human hand. An element that is merelycapable of being grasped by a human hand but which is not sized, shaped,and positioned, to be grasped by a human hand is not a “handle.” Forexample, a wheelbarrow may include a frame assembly made from tubularmembers; some tubular members are disposed below the tray while othersextend from the back of the tray. Those tubular members extending fromthe back of the tray are sized, shaped, and positioned, to be grasped bya human hand and are “handles.” The similar tubular members under thetray are not sized, shaped, and positioned, to be grasped by a humanhand and are not “handles.”

As used herein, “grip” is a portion of a handle that includes elementssuch as a non-slip surface, a resilient cushion, and/or a surface thatallows for an alternate grasp on the handle, e.g. a D-grip disposed atthe end of an elongated handle.

As used herein, a “snap-fit coupling” means a coupling that is,typically, temporary and wherein two coupling components, one of whichis at least minimally flexible, are maintained in a coupledconfiguration due to a bias created by the minimally flexible component.For example, a passage in a minimally flexible, tubular body, whereinthe passage has a longitudinal opening, may be temporarily widenedallowing an object to pass into the passage. When the object is in thepassage, the minimally flexible body returns the passage to the originalconfiguration with the object disposed in the passage. As is known, theminimally flexible body typically closes about the object with a “snap”or “click” sound.

As used herein, “snap-fit,” used as a verb, means to be coupled by a“snap-fit coupling.”

As shown in FIGS. 1-11, a leaf rake 10 includes an elongated handle 12and a head assembly 30. The handle 12 includes a body 13 with an upper,first end 14, a medial portion 16, and a lower, second end 18. Thehandle 12 is made from a material such as, but not limited to, steel oraluminum tubing, fiberglass tubing, plastic or wood. The handle firstend 14 includes a grip 20. The grip 20, in an exemplary embodiment, ismade from a resilient and/or slip resistant material such as, but notlimited to rubber, foam rubber, textured paint, and/or an elastomer. Thegrip 20 has a greater cross-sectional area than the handle 12 and, assuch, defines a flange 21 at the bottom end of the grip 20. The gripflange 21 extends in the plane that is generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the handle 12. As described below, the handlesecond end 18 is that portion of the handle that is disposed in the headassembly handle coupling 34. The handle medial portion 16 is the portionof the handle between the handle first end 14 and the handle second end18.

The head assembly 30 includes a base portion 32, a handle coupling 34,and a number of tines 36. The base portion 32 and the tines 36 are, inan exemplary embodiment, a unitary body 38. The base portion 32 andtines 36 are, in an exemplary embodiment, made from an injection polymersuch as, but not limited to, high density polyethylene or propylene. Thebase portion 32 is a generally planar body 39 having a triangular shapeincluding an apex 40 and a laterally elongated forward edge 42. The baseportion 32 includes a number of longitudinal ribs 44. That is, the baseportion 32 defines an opening 33 through which the longitudinal ribs 44extend. Further, as discussed below, the base portion 32 defines alateral slot 46 disposed adjacent to the tines 36. The base portionlateral slot 46 has a width that is slightly wider, that is at least 0.2inches wider, than the maximum width of the shrub rake tines 206 which,as noted below, is between about 7.5 inches and 8.0 inches, or about 7.7inches. The base portion lateral slot 46 includes a displacement surface45 and a latching surface 47. The lateral slot displacement surface 45extends about and defines the lateral slot 46. The lateral slot latchingsurface 47 is disposed on the back side of the base portion body 39 andabout the lateral slot 46. Further, the base portion 32, in an exemplaryembodiment, includes a number of longitudinal openings 35. In anexemplary embodiment, there is one longitudinal opening 35 aligned withthe gap between adjacent tines 36.

Each tine 36 is an elongated body 37 and includes a proximal, first end50, a medial portion 52 and a distal, second end 54. Each tine bodymedial portion 52 includes a flexure portion 51 and an offset portion53. Each tine body second end 54 includes a tip 56. In an exemplaryembodiment, a tine 36 includes a support rib 48 on the back (or lower)side. In an alternative embodiment, tine 36 has a self-supportingcross-sectional shape, such as but not limited to an arcuatecross-section.

The number of tines 36 includes a first set of tines 60 (“first set 60”)and a second set of tines 62 (“second set 62”). The first set 60includes a number of tines 36 with a substantially similar shape andcontour. Similarly, the second set 62 includes a number of tines 36 witha substantially similar shape and contour. In an exemplary embodiment, anumber, a majority, or each tine(s) 36 in each of the first and secondsets 60, 62 have a substantially similar shape and contour. In anotherexemplary embodiment, a majority of tines 36 in each of the first andsecond sets 60, 62 have a substantially similar shape and contour. Inanother exemplary embodiment, all tines 36 in each of the first andsecond sets 60, 62 have a substantially similar shape and contour. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, the majority of tines 36 in the first set60 have a substantially similar shape and contour. That is, the twooutermost tines have a slightly different shape for aesthetic reasons,as discussed below.

The shape and contour of the tines 36 in the first set 60 is, however,different than the shape and contour of the tines 36 in the second set62. That is, as used herein, the “shape” of a tine 36 means the minimalcross-sectional shape and the “contour” of a tine 36 is the form of thetine 36 when viewed laterally. As shown in FIG. 4, and in an exemplaryembodiment, the tines 36, whether in the first set 60 or the second set62, the tine body first end 50 and medial portion 52 have a similarshape and contour. That is, in both the first and second sets 60, 62,each tine body first end 50 and flexure portion 51 is elongated anddisposed substantially in the plane of the base portion 32. In the firstset 60, each tine 36 medial portion 52, that is both the flexure portion51 and offset portion 53, are curvilinear and arc to one side of thebase portion 32. In the second set 62, each tine 36 includes distinctbend, or elbow 80 as discussed below, to one side of the base portion32. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, all the tips 56 are disposed onthe same side of the base portion 32.

Further, a number, a majority, or each tine(s) 36 in the first set 60have a similar shape, i.e. minimal cross-sectional area, over the lengthof the tine body 37. In an exemplary embodiment, a number, a majority,or each tine(s) 36 in the first set 60 have a generally rectangularshape. It is noted that any ribs 44 are not included in measuring atine's shape, i.e. minimal cross-sectional area. In an exemplaryembodiment, the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio for a first settine body medial portion 52, that is both the flexure portion 51 andoffset portion 53, as well as the tine body second end 54 is greaterthan 1.0. That is, a number, a majority, or each tine(s) 36 in the firstset 60 have a greater “width” than “length,” as defined above. Inanother embodiment, not shown, the tines 36 in the first set 60 do nothave a similar shape, i.e. minimal cross-sectional shape over the lengthof the tine body 37. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, notshown, a tine body flexure portion 51 is much wider than the offsetportion 53 and supports two tine body offset portions 53. In suchembodiments, regardless of the shape of the tine body flexure portion51, each tine body offset portion 53 has a lateral cross-sectionalaspect ratio that is greater than 1.0. In other exemplary embodiments,the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio for the tines 36 in the firstset 60, i.e. the tine body medial portion 52, that is both the flexureportion 51 and offset portion 53, as well as the tine body second end 54is greater than 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 30.0, and/or50.0. As the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio contributes to therigidity of the tine 36, the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio is asignificant feature.

In the first set 60, the tine flexure portions 51 have a length ofbetween about 7.0 inches and 8.0 inches, or about 7.6 inches. As isgenerally known, the longer an elongated element, the more flexible thatelement is. Further, in the first set 60, the tine flexure portions 51have a shape, i.e. a cross-sectional area, of between about 0.35 inchand 0.4 inch, or about 0.375 inch. As the thickness and length of thetine flexure portions 51 contributes to the rigidity of the tine 36, thethickness and length of the tine flexure portions 51 are significantfeatures.

It is noted that the outermost tines 36 have a different shape, but asimilar contour, to the first set 60. That is, the outermost tines havea rib 44 disposed along the outermost edge. As such, in the disclosedembodiment, the outermost tines 36 are not a part of the first set northe second set. The outermost tine do, however, have a lateralcross-sectional aspect ratio for the tine body medial portion 52, thatis both the flexure portion 51 and offset portion 53, as well as thetine body second end 54 that is greater than 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0,5.0, 10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 30.0, and/or 50.0.

As noted above, a number, a majority, or each tine(s) 36 in the secondset 62 have a substantially similar shape and contour. The tines 36 inthe second set 62, unlike the tines 36 of the first set 60 have avariable cross-sectional shape. That is, in the second set 62, a tinebody first end 50 and flexure portion 51, in an exemplary embodiment,have a generally solid rectangular shape wherein the lateralcross-sectional aspect ratio is less than 1.0. Further, in an exemplaryembodiment, the tines 36 in the second set 62 include an “elbow 80.”That is, the tine bodies 37 in the second set 62 include a relativelysharp bend at the transition between the flexure portion 51 and theoffset portion 53. The offset portion 53 also includes a slot or channel82. That is, the offset portion 53 has a generally U-shaped crosssection. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel 82 extends over most ofthe offset portion 53. In the second set 62, the tine body second ends54 and distal tips 56, however, are solid.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the offset portions 53, the tinebody second ends 54 and distal tips 56 are generally trapezoidal. Thatis, the lateral sides of the offset portions 53, and the tine bodysecond ends 54 are angled, slightly, toward each other front-to-back, asthose terms are defined above in reference to the rake base assembly.That is, the offset portions 53 are laterally wider adjacent the elbow80 and closer together near the tine body second ends 54; that is, inview of the definitions above, front-to-back tapering. Further, across-section of the offset portions 53, the tine body second ends 54and distal tips 56 as described above is, as used herein, a “profile.”

Further, the tine body second ends 54 of the tines in the second set 62have a shape, i.e. a minimal cross-sectional area, that is generallytrapezoidal. That is, the bottom side of the tine body second ends 54 iswider than the top side, as those terms are defined above in referenceto the rake base assembly; that is, in view of the definitions above,bottom-to-top tapering of the tine body second ends 54.

It is noted that the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio for atrapezoid is determined by comparing the maximum width to the maximumlength. The tines 36 of the second set 62 are “narrow” in that a number,a majority, or each tine(s) 36 in the second set 62 have a lateralcross-sectional aspect ratio for the tine body medial portion 52; thatis, both the flexure portion 51 and offset portion 53, as well as thetine body second end 54 that is less than 1.0. In other exemplaryembodiments, the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio for the tines 36in the second set 62, i.e. the tine body medial portion 52, that is boththe flexure portion 51 and offset portion 53, as well as the tine bodysecond end 54 is less than 0.95, 0.9, 0.85, 0.75, 0.66, 0.5, 0.4, and0.25. As the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio contributes to therigidity of the tine 36, the lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio is asignificant feature.

In the second set 62, the tine flexure portions 51 have a length ofbetween about 4.75 inches and 5.25 inches, or about 5.0 inches. Further,in the second set 62, the tine flexure portions 51 have a shape, i.e. across-sectional area, of between about 0.35 inch and 0.4 inch, or about0.375 inch. As the thickness and length of the tine flexure portions 51contributes to the rigidity of the tine 36, the thickness and length ofthe tine flexure portions 51 are a significant feature.

In this configuration, each tine 36 in the first set 60 has a firstflexibility characteristic, and, each tine 36 in the second set 62 has asecond flexibility characteristic. The first flexibility characteristicis different from the second flexibility characteristic.

In the first set 60, a number, a majority, or each tine offset portion53 is also curvilinear while a number, a majority, or each tine secondend 54 is an elongated, generally straight portion 72. Thus, a number, amajority, or each first set tine second end 54 has a “longitudinal axis”74 which extends in a different direction than the handle longitudinalaxis. That is, it is specifically stated that a tine second end“longitudinal axis” is different than the handle “longitudinal axis.” Asused herein, the first set tine second end “longitudinal axis” 74 isused to measure the “angle of a tine” 36 relative to the plane of thehead assembly base portion 32. The first set tine second endlongitudinal axis 74 of a number, a majority, or each tine second end(s)54 is at a first angle relative to the plane the base portion 32.Further, the second end 54 of each tine 36 in the second set 62 isgenerally straight. The tine second end 54 of a number, a majority, oreach tine 36 in the second set 62 also has a “longitudinal axis” 76. Asecond set tine second end longitudinal axis 76 is also used herein forthe purpose of measuring the angle of a second set tine body second end54 relative to the plane of the head assembly base portion. Thelongitudinal axis 76 of each tine body second end 54 in the second set62 is at a second angle relative to the plane of said base portion 32.The first angle and the second angle are different.

In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axis 74 of a tine bodysecond end 54 in the first set 60 is at an angle of between about 90 and130 degrees, or, in an exemplary embodiment, about 115 degrees, relativeto the plane said base portion 32. The longitudinal axis 76 of a tinebody second end 54 in the second set 62 is at an angle of between about90 and 130 degrees, or in an exemplary embodiment about 90 degrees,relative to the plane of the base portion 32. In this configuration, thetips 56 of the tines 36 in the first set 60 are spaced from the tips 56of the tines 36 in the second set 62. Further, in an exemplaryembodiment, the tips 56 of the tines 36 in the second set 62 have agreater offset, i.e. are spaced further from, the plane said baseportion 32 than the tips 56 of the tines 36 in the first set 60.

In an exemplary embodiment, not shown, the handle coupling 34 includesan adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is structured to allowthe handle 12 to move longitudinally relative to the base portion 32. Inan exemplary embodiment, the adjustment assembly includes an elongatedsocket and a locking assembly. The socket corresponds to the shape ofthe handle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 12 has a generallycircular cross-sectional shape and the socket is a generally cylindricalcavity. The socket includes a number of perpendicular (radial) openings.The handle second end 18 includes a number of perpendicular (radial)extensions. The locking assembly is structured to move the handle secondend 18 between a first position, wherein the perpendicular extensionsare disposed in the perpendicular openings, and a second position,wherein the perpendicular extensions are not disposed in theperpendicular openings. When the handle second end 18 is in the firstposition, contact between the perpendicular extensions and the edges ofthe perpendicular openings prevents longitudinal movement of the handle12. When the handle second end 18 is in the second position, theperpendicular extensions do not contact the socket and the handle 12 maybe moved longitudinally relative to the base portion 32. In an exemplaryembodiment, the handle 12 moves longitudinally between about three andten inches, or about six inches, relative to the base portion 32.

In an exemplary embodiment, not shown, the locking assembly includes abiasing device and a release device. The biasing device is structured tobias the handle second end 18 toward the handle second end firstposition. The release device is structured to overcome the bias of thebiasing device and to move the handle second end 18 to the handle secondend second position.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown, the handle coupling 32 includes aradial collar disposed at the base assembly apex 40 and a longitudinalsocket disposed adjacent the base portion lateral slot 46. The handle 12extends through the collar and handle second end 18 is disposed in thesocket.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11-13, the rake 10 furtherincludes a selectively coupled shrub rake 200. That is, the rake 10includes a shrub rake coupling 190 (FIG. 1) structured to couple theshrub rake 200 to the rake 10. The shrub rake 200 includes a body 202having a base portion 204, a number of tines 206, a coupling 208 and ahandle 210. The shrub rake body 202, in an exemplary embodiment, furtherincludes an elongated support member 212. The elongated support member212 is coupled to, and disposed between, the shrub rake base portion 204and the rake coupling 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the shrub rakebase portion 204, number of tines 206, rake coupling 208, handle 210 andelongated support member 212 are a unitary shrub rake body 202.

The shrub rake body 202, in an exemplary embodiment, is made from aninjection polymer such as, but not limited to, high density polyethyleneor propylene. The base portion 204 is a generally planar body 220 havinga generally trapezoidal shape including a minor top side 224 and a majorbottom side 226, both of which extend generally laterally. That is, boththe base portion body top side 224 and bottom side 226 are elongated andextend laterally, but the bottom side 226 is longer than the top side224.

Each shrub rake tine 206 is an elongated body 230 and includes aproximal, first end 232, a medial portion 234 and a distal, second end236. Each tine body medial portion 234 includes a flexure portion 240and an offset portion 242. Each tine body second end 236 includes a tip238. In an exemplary embodiment, each shrub rake tine medial portion 234includes a shape bend, or elbow 250. Each shrub rake tine elbow 250 isdisposed at the transition between shrub rake tine flexure portion 240and offset portion 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the number of shrubrake tines 206, collectively, have a maximum width of between about 7.5inches and 8.0 inches, or about 7.7 inches. This width is smaller thanthe rake 10 and allows the shrub rake 200 to be used in locations thatare too small for the rake 10. As such the collective width of the shrubrake tines 206 is a significant feature.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the shrub rake outermost tines 206′, 206″include a latching surface 260 (hereinafter “shrub rake latchingsurface”). In an exemplary embodiment, each shrub rake latching surface260 is disposed on a tab 262 that extends laterally and upwardly (thatis toward the top of the shrub rake 200) from each shrub rake outermosttines 206′, 206″. Each tab 262 includes the shrub rake latching surface260 as well as a shrub rake displacing surface 264. When the shrub rake200 is coupled to the rake 10, as described below, the shrub rakelatching surface 260 extends generally parallel to the plane of the baseportion body 39. The shrub rake displacing surface 264 is disposed at anacute angle relative to the lateral slot latching surface 47 which itengages, as described below.

The shrub rake support member 212, in an exemplary embodiment, extendsfrom the base portion body top side 224. The shrub rake support member212 is elongated and extends in a direction generally perpendicular tothe base portion body top side 224. That is, the longitudinal axis ofthe shrub rake support member 212 extends in a direction generallyperpendicular to the base portion body top side 224. In an exemplaryembodiment, and as shown, the shrub rake support member 212 iscurvilinear when viewed from a lateral side.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shrub rake body coupling 208 and shrubrake body handle 210 are generally coextensive. That is, the shrub rakebody handle 210 defines the shrub rake body coupling 208, or, statedalternatively, the shrub rake body coupling 208 is structured as ahandle 210. In the embodiment shown, the shrub rake body handle 210 isan elongated member 270 having a generally U-shaped cross-section. Thus,the shrub rake body handle 210, or stated alternatively the shrub rakebody coupling 208, defines a U-shaped channel 276.

Further, the elongated member 270 includes an outer surface 272 and aninner surface 274. The elongated member outer surface 272 is structuredas the shrub rake body handle 210. That is, the elongated member 270 issized and shaped so that a typical adult human hand can grasp a portionof the elongated member outer surface 272 in the manner of a handle. Theelongated member inner surface 274 is structured as the shrub rake bodycoupling 208.

In an exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped channel 276 is a couplingstructured to couple the shrub rake body 202 to the rake 10. In anexemplary embodiment, the shape of the U-shaped channel 276 bightgenerally corresponds to the shape of the handle medial portion 16. Forexample, and as shown, the handle medial portion 16 is generallycircular. Similarly, the U-shaped channel 276 bight is generallycircular. As the shrub rake body 202 is, in an exemplary embodiment,made from an injection polymer, the shrub rake body 202 is slightlyflexible, as is known.

In one exemplary embodiment, not shown, the curvature of the U-shapedchannel 276 bight extends slightly over 180 degrees. In thisconfiguration, the U-shaped channel 276 is structured to partiallyencircle the handle medial portion 16. That is, a user couples the shrubrake body 202 by disposing the handle medial portion 16 in the U-shapedchannel 276. As the handle medial portion 16 moves into the U-shapedchannel 276, the U-shaped channel 276 tines separate so as to allow thehandle medial portion 16 to pass therethrough. Thus, the shrub rake bodycoupling 208 is a snap-fit coupling.

In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 13, the U-shaped channel 276tines are generally parallel. The inner surface of the U-shaped channel276, i.e. elongated member inner surface 274, however, includes numberof planar protrusions 280. The protrusions 280 are disposed at the tipsof the tine of U-shaped channel 276. The protrusions 280 have an innersurface 282 that corresponds to, i.e. has a similar curvature as, theinner surface of the U-shaped channel 276 bight. Further, theprotrusions 280 extend in a plane generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the U-shaped channel 276.

As shown in FIG. 14, in an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal lengthof the shrub rake support member 212, the shrub rake base portion 204and the shrub rake tines 206 have a combined length generallycorresponding to the length between the head assembly base portion bodytop side 224 and the head assembly base portion body slot 46. In thisconfiguration, the shrub rake 200, when coupled to the rake 10 isgenerally disposed over the rake head assembly base portion 32.

The shrub rake 200 is coupled to the rake 10 as follows. The shrub rakebody 202 is positioned over the front side of the head assembly 30 withthe shrub rake tines 206 generally aligned with the base portion lateralslot 46 and the U-shaped channel 276 generally aligned with the handlemedial portion 16. The user begins to move the handle medial portion 16into the U-shaped channel 276, the handle medial portion 16 engages thenumber of planar protrusions 280 causing the U-shaped channel 276 tineto flex outwardly. As the user fully moves the handle medial portion 16into the U-shaped channel 276, the widest cross-sectional area of thehandle medial portion 16 moves past the number of planar protrusions 280and the U-shaped channel 276 returns to its original shape. In thisconfiguration, the handle medial portion 16 is disposed within theU-shaped channel 276 and held therein by protrusions 280.

Generally at the same time, the shrub rake tines 206 move into the baseportion lateral slot 46. As the shrub rake tines 206 move into the baseportion lateral slot 46, the shrub rake displacing surface 264, which islocated on the shrub rake outermost tines 206′, 206″, engage the lateralslot displacement surface 45. This engagement causes the shrub rakeoutermost tines 206′, 206″ to flex, thereby allowing the shrub rakelatching surfaces 260 to pass over the lateral slot displacement surface45 and lateral slot latching surface 47. As the shrub rake tines 206pass through the base portion lateral slot 46, the shrub rake displacingsurface 264 passes over the edge of the lateral slot latching surface 47thereby allowing the shrub rake outermost tines 206′, 206″ to return toan un-flexed configuration. That is, the shrub rake latching surface 260is disposed over, i.e. face-to-face with, the lateral slot latchingsurface 47. In this configuration, the shrub rake tines 206 areselectively, i.e. temporarily, latched to the head assembly 30. Thus, inthis configuration, the shrub rake 200 is selectably, i.e. temporarily,coupled to the rake 10.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A leaf rake comprising: a handle, said handleincluding an elongated body with an upper, first end, a medial portion,and a lower, second end; a head assembly including a base portion, ahandle coupling, a number of tines, and a selectively coupled shrubrake; said handle second end coupled to said head assembly base portionby said handle coupling; and said shrub rake coupled to said handlemedial portion.
 18. The leaf rake of claim 17 wherein: said shrub rakeincludes a base portion, a rake coupling, a number of tines; said shrubrake body coupling defining an elongated channel; and said shrub rakebody coupling channel sized to generally correspond to said handlemedial portion.
 19. The leaf rake of claim 18 wherein said shrub rakebody coupling channel has a generally U-shaped cross-section.
 20. Theleaf rake of claim 19 wherein said shrub rake body coupling isstructured as a handle.
 21. The leaf rake of claim 19 wherein: saidshrub rake body coupling channel inner surface includes a number ofprotrusions; and said protrusions disposed at the tips of the tine ofsaid shrub rake body coupling channel U-shaped cross-section.
 22. Theleaf rake of claim 21 wherein: said protrusions extend in a planegenerally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shrub rake bodycoupling channel; said handle first end includes an elongated grip; andwherein said grip has a greater cross-sectional area than said handlemedial portion, said grip defining a flange extends in a plane thatextends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said handlebody.
 23. The leaf rake of claim 17 wherein: said head assembly baseportion body is generally planar having a trapezoidal shape with a minortop side and a major bottom side, both of which extend laterally; saidhead assembly base portion body defining a slot adjacent said headassembly base portion body bottom side; and wherein said head assemblybase portion body slot has a width generally corresponding to themaximum width of said shrub rake tines.
 24. The leaf rake of claim 23wherein: said shrub rake includes an elongated support member; saidshrub rake support member coupled to, and disposed between, said shrubrake body coupling and said shrub rake base portion; said shrub raketines extending from said shrub rake base portion in a directiongenerally opposite said shrub rake support member; said shrub rakesupport member, said shrub rake base portion and said shrub rake tineshaving a combined length generally corresponding to the length betweensaid head assembly base portion body top side and said head assemblybase portion body slot.
 25. The leaf rake of claim 24 wherein: eachshrub rake tine includes a first end, a medial portion, and a secondend. each shrub rake tine first end coupled to said shrub rake baseportion; and a number of said shrub rake tine second ends including alatching surface.
 26. A leaf rake, comprising: a handle, said handleincluding an elongated body with an upper, first end, a medial portion,and a lower, second end; a head assembly including a base portion, ahandle coupling, first and second sets of tines, and a selectivelycoupled shrub rake; said handle second end coupled to said head assemblybase portion by said handle coupling; said shrub rake coupled to saidhandle medial portion; and wherein each tine of said first and secondset of tines includes a first end, a flexure portion, an offset portion,and a distal second end, wherein the offset portion of the first set oftines is disposed on a first side of the base portion and wherein theoffset portion of the second set of tines is disposed on the first sideof the base portion.
 27. The leaf rake of claim 26, wherein a number ofthe tine bodies in the first set of tines have a flexure portion and anoffset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is greater than1.0; and wherein a number of tine bodies in the second set of tines havea flexure portion and an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspectratio that is less than 1.0.
 28. The leaf rake of claim 26, wherein eachtine in said first set of tines has a first flexibility characteristicand each tine in said second set of tines has a second flexibilitycharacteristic that is different that said first flexibilitycharacteristic.
 29. The leaf rake of claim 26, wherein each tine in saidsecond set of tines includes an elbow.
 30. The leaf rake of claim 26,said shrub rake includes a base portion, a rake coupling, a number ofshrub tines; said shrub rake body coupling defining an elongatedchannel; and said shrub rake body coupling channel sized to generallycorrespond to said handle medial portion.
 31. The leaf rake of claim 30,wherein said shrub rake body coupling channel inner surface includes anumber of protrusions; and said protrusions disposed at the tips of thetine of said shrub rake body coupling channel.
 32. The leaf rake ofclaim 31 wherein: said protrusions extend in a plane generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shrub rake body couplingchannel; said handle first end includes an elongated grip; and whereinsaid grip has a greater cross-sectional area than said handle medialportion, said grip defining a flange extends in a plane that extendsgenerally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said handle body.33. The leaf rake of claim 30, wherein the said head assembly baseportion body is generally planar having a trapezoidal shape with a minortop side and a major bottom side, both of which extend laterally; saidhead assembly base portion body defining a slot adjacent said headassembly base portion body bottom side; and wherein said head assemblybase portion body slot has a width generally corresponding to themaximum width of said shrub rake tines.
 34. The leaf rake of claim 33,wherein said shrub rake includes an elongated support member; said shrubrake support member coupled to, and disposed between, said shrub rakebody coupling and said shrub rake base portion; said shrub rake tinesextending from said shrub rake base portion in a direction generallyopposite said shrub rake support member; said shrub rake support member,said shrub rake base portion and said shrub rake tines having a combinedlength generally corresponding to the length between said head assemblybase portion body top side and said head assembly base portion bodyslot.
 35. The leaf rake of claim 34, wherein each shrub rake tineincludes a first end, a medial portion, and a second end; each shrubrake tine first end is coupled to said shrub rake base portion; and anumber of said shrub rake tine second ends include a latching surface.36. The leaf rake of claim 26, wherein said head assembly base portionis generally planar; each of said tine second end includes alongitudinal axis; wherein a number of tine second end longitudinal axesin said first set of tines are at a first angle relative to the plane ofsaid base portion; wherein a number of tine second end longitudinal axesin said second set of tines are at a second angle relative to the planeof said base portion; and wherein said first angle and said second angleare different.